375 or 405

[22rimfan]

Hello all.  I have a quick question, between the 375 H&H and the 405 Winchester, which would you pick?  Just for info, I mostly plan to use the rifle on bear, hogs, elk, and maybe moose or bison. I am planning a trip to Africa in the future, 5 or 6 years so that is also weighing on my mind.  I do not reload but am planning on having a reloading set by the end of the year.  I have the CZ American Safari 550 in mind for the 375 and the 1895 Winchester  for the 405 (naturally).  Pro's and con's would be appreciated.  I have a 30-06 and really don't need either for anything in N. America, but I am wanting a big bore.  Thanks for all info and replies.
Aaron

[crow_feather]

416...........Rem or Rig.........don't matter which one.

[Redhawk1]

With the 405, I think you would be better off with a 45-70. I think the 45-70 is more versatile. But given the choices you gave, I would go with the CZ 550 in 375 H&H. But you may want to consider a 416 Rigby or 416 Remington as crow_feather suggested.    JMHO

[Ramrod]

If you plan on going to Africa, you will be much better off with the .375.
The .405 might be fine here in the states, but the Win. 1895 has scope issues, and the recoil with the curved steel buttplate is not pleasant.

[Thebear_78]

Easy choice, 375 H&H.  It is far more versatile and universally available.  It has proven itself on all of the african game and still shoots flat enough to be practical for plains game and North american hunting.   If you just want something really powerfull then check out the 416s.

[Lawdog]

Between your two choices the answer is easy,  .375 H&H then have a .375 Weatherby Magnum reamer run through it and it'll be perfect.   :-D   Lawdog
 

[oso45-70]

22rimfan

The 375 H&H or 375 Weatherby is hard to beat, The old 405 is a great old peice but it should be left at home. Some one said some thing about the 45-70 which is a better choice in my opinion, But one of the 375s will do you a good job. ......Joe.......

[22rimfan]

Thanks all.  I guess studying about TR in my Modern America class, (isn't studying to be a History Professor fun!) made me want the 405.  Do you all think that the CZ 550 will work well with this cartridge, or should I just look at a Winchester or Ruger?  I've heard that the CZ has a problem with cracking the stocks, but maybe this is only on the .404 Jeffery or the .505 Gibbs?  Thanks for your time and responses.  Maybe later in life, after the whole PhD thing I'll get my elusive 405.  Again, thanks.
Aaron

[Redhawk1]

Sounds like you have your heart set on the 405. Get it and enjoy it. Then get a 375 H&H or a 416 for the big stuff.  

[Lawdog]

Thanks all.  I guess studying about TR in my Modern America class, (isn't studying to be a History Professor fun!) made me want the 405.  Do you all think that the CZ 550 will work well with this cartridge, or should I just look at a Winchester or Ruger?  I've heard that the CZ has a problem with cracking the stocks, but maybe this is only on the .404 Jeffery or the .505 Gibbs?  Thanks for your time and responses.  Maybe later in life, after the whole PhD thing I'll get my elusive 405.  Again, thanks.
Aaron

The CZ rifle that has a history of splitting stocks is the CZ 550 Safari Magnum.  This is the one with what is known as a "Hogback" style stock.  The one I fired and had the stock split on was a .375 H&H.  It doesn’t come with recoil lugs like you find on Winchester’s and Ruger’s.  The CZ 550 American Safari Magnum doesn’t seem to have the problem of splitting stocks.  The best thing to do is try a CZ, Ruger and a Winchester then decide for yourself.  Lawdog
 

[mr.frosty]

whats the difference between the 416 rem and rigby?

[Redhawk1]

whats the difference between the 416 rem and rigby?

The 416 Rigby has a larger powder capacity.  

[Redhawk1]

Thanks all.  I guess studying about TR in my Modern America class, (isn't studying to be a History Professor fun!) made me want the 405.  Do you all think that the CZ 550 will work well with this cartridge, or should I just look at a Winchester or Ruger?  I've heard that the CZ has a problem with cracking the stocks, but maybe this is only on the .404 Jeffery or the .505 Gibbs?  Thanks for your time and responses.  Maybe later in life, after the whole PhD thing I'll get my elusive 405.  Again, thanks.
Aaron

The CZ rifle that has a history of splitting stocks is the CZ 550 Safari Magnum.  This is the one with what is known as a "Hogback" style stock.  The one I fired and had the stock split on was a .375 H&H.  It doesn’t come with recoil lugs like you find on Winchester’s and Ruger’s.  The CZ 550 American Safari Magnum doesn’t seem to have the problem of splitting stocks.  The best thing to do is try a CZ, Ruger and a Winchester then decide for yourself.  Lawdog
 

Lawdog, I hope I don't have a problem with my new CZ 550 Safari Magnum. It is the "Hogback" style stock in 416 Rigby. I have not made it to the range yet with it, but I am sure CZ will take care of it if I have a problem.  

[Lawdog]

Thanks all.  I guess studying about TR in my Modern America class, (isn't studying to be a History Professor fun!) made me want the 405.  Do you all think that the CZ 550 will work well with this cartridge, or should I just look at a Winchester or Ruger?  I've heard that the CZ has a problem with cracking the stocks, but maybe this is only on the .404 Jeffery or the .505 Gibbs?  Thanks for your time and responses.  Maybe later in life, after the whole PhD thing I'll get my elusive 405.  Again, thanks.
Aaron

The CZ rifle that has a history of splitting stocks is the CZ 550 Safari Magnum.  This is the one with what is known as a "Hogback" style stock.  The one I fired and had the stock split on was a .375 H&H.  It doesn’t come with recoil lugs like you find on Winchester’s and Ruger’s.  The CZ 550 American Safari Magnum doesn’t seem to have the problem of splitting stocks.  The best thing to do is try a CZ, Ruger and a Winchester then decide for yourself.  Lawdog
 

Lawdog, I hope I don't have a problem with my new CZ 550 Safari Magnum. It is the "Hogback" style stock in 416 Rigby. I have not made it to the range yet with it, but I am sure CZ will take care of it if I have a problem.  

Just have lug bolts added, bed the action and you shouldn't have any problem.  A good idea to have done to any big gore that doesn't already have it done.  My other "personal" complaint about that "Hogback" stock is when using a scope the butt wanted to slide under my armpit during recoil.  This caused me some concern as I have feelings about having a scope become part of my skull.   :eek:   Lawdog
 

[Redhawk1]

Just have lug bolts added, bed the action and you shouldn't have any problem.  A good idea to have done to any big gore that doesn't already have it done.  My other "personal" complaint about that "Hogback" stock is when using a scope the butt wanted to slide under my armpit during recoil.  This caused me some concern as I have feelings about having a scope become part of my skull.   :eek:   Lawdog
 

I had it at the gun shop I bought the gun from and the gunsmith there told me I should not need that work done. I am going to go out and shoot it the first chance I get tot go to the range. If I have any problems, I have a one year guarantee on the stock. Also If I don't like the Hogback stock, I will just order the American Safari Magnum stock if it fits.  

[Redhawk1]

Lawdog, I spoke with CZ today and they recommender I get it glass bedded also. He said the stock I have already has a cross lug and should not need another. But I might get it all done at once.  

[Dana C]

I would pick the .375 hands down.  If a man were to have just one rifle, it would it it.  With 250 -270 grain bullets it can be a 300+ yard antelope rifle and with 300 gr. solids it can kill just about anything with a well placed shot.
My friends son, 14 years of age, took an antelope in Idaho at just a little over 300 yards.... very little meat damage by the way.  Later my friend took a HUGE elk at 300 yards as well with a 300 soft point.  It fell like Thor's hammer hit him.  
I have one and LOVE it.
Dana